Jerre Stead, the corporate executive overseeing recovery efforts, and CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt said the state has a goal of completing temporary repairs by December 1, and they told the AP they are optimistic crews will reach the goal.

Hunt said the most difficult task will be getting construction equipment into damaged areas and keeping workers and travelers safe from falling rocks.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) made available $5 million in emergency funds earlier this month.

CDOT spokeswoman Amy Ford told the AP the federal government will reimburse Colorado up to $100 million for highway repairs, but state officials want the federal government to raise that to $500 million, the cap for many states after Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012.